Fire-escape



(No Model.)

G. W. KERN.

PIRE ESCAPE.

No. 322,613. Patented Ju1y 21, 1885.

N. PETERS. Pbelo-Llhogmylhar, Washinghtn. D. CV

IINITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE IV. KERN, OF OHILLICO'IHE, OHIO.

Fl RE-ESCAPE?.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.322,6137 dated July 21, 1885.

(No model.)

To LZ whom it may concern.-

Beit known that I, GEORGE W. KERN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chillicothe, in the county of Ross and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Escapes; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved re-escape, showing the same in position for operation. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the same.

The same letters refer to the same parts in both the figures.

This invention relates to fire-escapes of that class which may be adjusted and operated by hand by the persons seeking to escape from burning buildings; and it has for its object to provide a device of this class which shall pos sess superior advantages in point of simplicity, durability, and general efficiency.

Vith these ends in view, it consists in the improved construction and arrangement of parts, which will be hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings hereto annexed, A designates the frame of my improved fire-escape, which consists of side pieces, B B, constructed of metal, and provided at their lower ends with inwardly-extending jaws O C, to which a bail or holder, D, is riveted or otherwise secured. The upper ends of the side pieces, B B, are connected by a perforated crosspiece, E, of which further mention will hereinafter be made. The side pieces, B B, are provided near their lower ends with bearings for a transverse shaft, F, carrying a spool or drum, G, on which is wound a wire rope, II, one end of which is attached to the said drum, and the otherl end of which passes through suitable eyes, I I, attached to the inner side or sides of one or both of the side pieces of the frame and through the perforation J in the top piece, E, connecting the said side pieces. The upper or outer end of the said wire rope is provided with a loop, K, whereby it may be made fast to a window-sill or to some other suitable fixed point.

Secured pivotally to each of the side pieces, B, of the frame is a brake-lever, L, one end of which has a shoe, M, adapted to bear against one ofthe cheeksN ofthe drum G, andthe other end of which forms a handle, l, which may be readily reached by the operator.

A life belt, basket, or other suitable device is in practice to be attached to the bail or holder D at the lower end of the frame.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the drawings hereto annexed, the operation and advantages of this invention will be readily understood. The con struction is simple and inexpensive, and the entire apparatus occupies but little space. It may thus be readily carried in a trunk or hand-bag, and may, when occasion requires,

suitable place for the purpose of escaping from a burning building. It will be noticed that the frame being constructed of metal, and the rope being a wire rope, the device is incombustible and lire-proof.

I would have it understood that in the manufacture of this device I do not limit myself to thel precise construct-ion herein set forth, but reserve to myself the right to all modifications which may be' resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- 1. In a nre-escape, the combination of a frame constructed of metallic side pieces connected at their-upper and lower ends, a drum mounted upon a shaft journaled between the lower ends of the said side-pieces, and a wire over a pulley and through a series of eyes in the connecting-pieces ofthe sides ofthe frame, substantially as and for-the purpose herein set forth.

2. In a fire-escape, the combination of a pair of metallic side pieces, connected attheir upper ends by a perforated cross-piece, and at their lower ends by a bail or holder connecting the overlapping lower ends of the said side pieces with a drum journaled between the said side pieces, and a wire rope coiled upon the said drum, and having its end passed over a pulleyand through guide-eyes upon the inner sides of the frame-pieces and through the perforation in the upper cross-piece, substr;- tially as and for the purpose set forth.

be readily made fast to awindow-sill or otherV rope coiled upon the said drum and passing IOO am operating-handle, substantially as herein l described, for the purpose set forth. 1o In testimony WhereofI afX my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

GEORGE WV. KERN.

Vitnesses:

R. T. WoRTl-IINGTON. FERDINAND HUMMEL. 

